Discovering the Jewellery Quarter - Deakin & Francis

Deakin & Francis - 15-17 Regent Place, Jewellery Quarter

For our new exhibition now on display at The Hive, i've been delving into our local history, and discovering the story of 15-17 Regent Place, just up the road from New Standard Works. From a famous resident, to housing the oldest family-run jewellers in the UK; read on to find out all about the history of one of the JQ’s most important buildings.

The earliest record of 15-17 Regent Place is from 1772, when it was known as Harper’s Hill House. We know that James Watt, best known for his influential inventions during the Industrial Revolution, moved in in 1777. In 1786 Deakin & Francis jewellers used a converted part of the building as their factory and offices. After a major renovation in 1905, the building remains much the same today.

The building reflects the Arts and Crafts movement in Birmingham. This can be seen in features such as the green arched windows on the first floor, and the modern focus on open-plan spaces and plenty of natural light. The building’s important history was recognised in 2004, and it was granted Grade II Listed status. The reconstruction and development of 15-17 Regent Place documents not only the building itself, but the industrial history of the Jewellery Quarter.

James Watt is one of the building’s most notable residents. He lived in Harper’s Hill House from 1777 – 1790. only part of an original outbuilding remains inside the factory today. When it was built, the house was not completely surrounded by buzzing industrial life or buildings, like it is today. It stood on its own plot, with its entrance gate on James Street, and a sweeping drive up to the house. It was here, right in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter, that Watt designed many of his most significant inventions.

Deakin & Francis Ltd is the oldest family-run jewellers in the UK, at 15-17 Regent Place. They specialise in crafting sterling silver, with products ranging from cufflinks and tie-pins, to signet rings, bangles, leather goods, and even decanters. Today the company is run by brothers Henry and James Deakin, the seventh generation of master jewellers. The factory is still a hive of industry with master craftspeople using traditional methods to create the jewellery completely by hand. Deakin & Francis Ltd also produce jewellery on behalf of well-known brands, such as Tiffany & Co. and Asprey.

The company was founded over 233 years ago by Benjamin Woolfield in 1786. Throughout history, the company’s name changed as its owners changed. But the name wasn’t the only thing that changed at Deakin & Francis… come along to the exhibition at The Hive, New Standard Works, in the Jewellery Quarter to find out about the company’s complex history!

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Are you a maker, designer or artist, perhaps you are a writer with a passion for storytelling or a creative practitioner with an interest in heritage? During the lockdown, we want to continue to support the arts community. We are looking to hear from creative practitioners with potential designs and ideas inspired by our building and its history.

Although our doors at The Hive may be closed, the activity continues! We have put together a craft campaign to encourage people to keep well and keep crafting during this difficult time. This includes craft kits for adults who are self isolating and family activity sheets. Read more...

Spend the morning in The Hive's Makers Studio learning the ancient craft of wax carving and making your own wax jewellery design.
This Jerk 'n Jewels workshop is led by Paul Spurgeon, twice UK Designer of the Year and multi-award winner in the craft. As part of the ticket price, the workshop includes a Jerk 'n Jewels all-you-can-eat Jamaican buffet. WHAT A LOVELY FATHER'S DAY GIFT!!

The Hive Cafe and Bakery provides a warm welcome in the heart of Birmingham's famous Jewellery Quarter, with delicious pastries, cake, bread and meals. Come and visit us. Try our coffee! Please visit us at The Hive subsite. www.thehiveJQ.org

The seeds of Ruskin Mill Land Trust were sown in 1967 when Robin and Barbara Gordon transplanted their young sons Aonghus and Alisdair from the hothouse of the Ruskin Centre for Art Appreciation in Venice to the cold frame of a dilapidated former textile mill in Gloucestershire.

The Ruskin Mill Land Trust, in association with the Worshipful Company of Glass Sellers, is delighted to announce the artists for the 2019 British Glass Biennale exhibition. Over two days an expert panel of judges chaired by Róisín de Buitléar and comprising of Dr Jane Cook, Monica Guggisberg, Angel Monzon, and Cathy Shankland, selected the very best of this year’s entries, all of which achieved a very high standard.

Aonghus has a distinguished track record of development and leadership of several ground-breaking charities that provide high quality environments and opportunities for people with disabilities. He is passionate about the need for people to break out of dependency and marginalisation, believing that everyone has the potential to shape their own future.